crown fire

noun

1. a forest fire that spreads along treetops, often at great speeds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crown fire¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

When high-severity crown fires occurred, new habitats emerged, contributing to the whole spectrum of wildlife.

From Seattle Times

They compete for water and their low branches allow fire to climb into the canopy of taller trees, fueling devastating crown fires.

From Seattle Times

A history of logging and fire-suppression policies has also resulted in stands of unnaturally young, dense timber that is more susceptible to fast-moving crown fires, according to experts.

From Los Angeles Times

White firs have needles running up their trunks that serve as ladders up to the canopy, creating crown fires that are the hardest to contain and most deadly for trees.

From New York Times

There flames have overtaken conifers killed by drought and bark beetle infestations causing crown fires, where the blaze burns through the top layer of foliage on a tree.

From Los Angeles Times